A former electrician'smate who worked on the UK's first nuclear submarine has been awarded a six-figure sum incompensation.

Ken McDonald, 67, from Barrow has devastating cancermesotheliomaafter being exposed toasbestoswhile working atVickers shipyard in Barrow.

Great granddad Ken was an electrician's mate and worked on HMS Dreadnought, the British Navy's first nuclear powered submarine during 1961 to 1963.

Ken, who went on to work in financial services, said he used to carry bags of asbestos for the electricians to use when lagging pipes on the sub. He would come home covered in asbestos dust but had no idea it could harm him.

Diagnosed with Mesothelioma

He was diagnosed with mesothelioma, which has no cure, in October 2006.

Ken was awarded the compensation after contacting the Barrow Asbestos Related Disease Support group (BARDS) who put him in touch with his former union, theGMBand their legal experts Thompsons Solicitors.

He said: "When I was diagnosed with mesothelioma I was not surprised but it was a tremendous shock.

"I am relieved to have received this compensation but I would rather have my health back. At least now I know that my wife and family will be provided for.

"The work that has been done by the GMB and Thompsons just shows how important it is to join aunion. I was when I worked at Vickers. Now, decades later they have helped me. People should be in a union as you never know when you will need their help."

Regional secretary of the GMB Northern, Tom Brennan said: "I am pleased we have been able to win compensation for Mr McDonald during what is a difficult time for him and his family.

"The GMB has helped hundreds of itsmembersto claim compensation in asbestos cases. It shows how the union can help at the most unexpected times."

Client representative at Thompsons Solicitors, Andrew Venn added: "We are pleased we have finalised this case quickly so Mr McDonald can make use of the compensation. It is important that Mr McDonald knew his family would be financially secure."

Asbestos disease diagnosis? Talk to us for advice and support on how to secure compensation.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we can support you with advice on how to make a claim.

The process will be explained in plain English and with no obligation – our priority is to provide you with the best, expert advice on whether you have a valid case for compensation, and to signpost you to further sources of support.

There are strict time limits applied to making a claim – usually three years from the date of diagnosis. It doesn’t matter if the exposure to asbestos took place – as it often does – decades ago, the three year time limit applies to the date of knowledge of diagnosis or date of death.